Rail

Alstom's signaling system equips Toronto subway extension

Alstom’s Urbalis 400 communications-based train control (CBTC) solution is the train control and signaling system behind Toronto York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE), a 5.3 mile extension of Line 1 Yonge-University, which opened over the weekend with six brand new subway stations.

The extension’s opening was preceded by a ribbon cutting ceremony with Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Chairman Josh Colle and TTC CEO Andy Byford, and in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ontario Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca, and Toronto Mayor John Tory.

The commissioning of Urbalis 400 on TYSSE is one phase of the Line 1 Yonge-University signaling project that was conferred to Alstom by TTC in 2009 with a scope increase in 2015, and marks the first time that such an innovative radio-based CBTC system enters into commercial service on a metro line in Canada. The complete project scope includes the replacement of the relay-based interlocking on Line 1, and the deployment of CBTC across all of Line 1, including the TYSSE green field extension area, as well as control center updates. Project activities include replacing the current track circuit system with an axle counter-based detection system and installing CBTC equipment on-board on more than 80 subway cars.

Alstom’s Urbalis solution will help TTC not only reduce headways and provide for 25% additional line capacity, but also increase operational performance and reliability. The entire line, on which some of the original signaling equipment dates back to 1954, is expected to be fitted with CBTC by 2019.

Alstom is committed to delivering smart mobility solutions to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, and in addition to the project with the TTC, Alstom is currently executing projects to supply Metrolinx with a new Iconis control center to integrate the GO Transit network into a single, centralized facility, a new signaling system for the Union Station Rail Corridor, and 61 Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles.

Alstom will draw on its expertise in the field of signaling solutions, with more than 50 CBTC systems worldwide in commercial service (Beijing, Milano L1, Sao Paulo L1, Toronto YUS, Mexico, Nanjing, Malaga, Panama, Shanghai...) and 35 others in the implementation phase.

The 9.3-mile extension, coined the Blue Line Extension (BLE) during construction, continues the alignment north from the previous terminus stop at 7th Street Station and now culminates at UNC Charlotte’s main campus.